Death demanded for murder trial couple
Death demanded for murder trial couple
JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors yesterday demanded a court sentence a couple to death for an alleged murder last year.
Philipus Kia Lejab and his wife, Suparmi, after being tried in separate hearings for three months were accused of murdering a woman and her three children at the victim's home in the Bambu Apus sub-district of East Jakarta on Oct. 2.
The cold-blooded murder, which shocked Jakarta residents, was followed by a commotion a few days later when thousands of people ransacked Philipus' house in a show of anger.
Besides the couple, three other children have also been tried for allegedly being implicated in the murder.
The three trial prosecutors said that their evidence and witnesses' testimonies demonstrated that Philipus is guilty of planning and enticing his wife Suparmi and three other children to take part in the conspiracy.
Prosecutors Saleh Abdurrahman, Agung Dipo and Azizul Hakim took turns in reading a-200-page criminal charges summary for six-and-a-half hours.
Retractions
In previous hearings, Philipus had retracted his statements filed in police reports, saying that he was under physical and mental duress prior to police questioning.
"The suspect's retractions are groundless because some testimonies have shown the court that Philipus has not been telling the whole truth," the indictment read, referring to several conflicting statements.
Prosecutors also cited several Supreme Court rulings showing that unrecorded statements made by defendants are evidence to prove whether or not they are guilty.
Philipus and Suparmi, who were tried in separate court rooms, trained their eyes on the ground most of the time during the sessions. The faces of the two suspects looked stoic when the desired punishments were announced.
Philipus's lawyers are to present their plea next Monday while those of Suparmi are scheduled to speak next Wednesday.
Security troops closely guarded the court building yesterday.
Visitors to both Philipus' and Suparmi's packed court hearings cheered and clapped when the punishments were demanded by the prosecutors. (14)